Careers in Documentary Filmmaking Start Here

As you know, truth is often stranger than fiction. Famous documentary films like Bowling for Columbine, Man on Wire, Waiting for Superman, Hoop Dreams, Exit Through the Gift Shop and Expelled make us look at the truth of our time, make us think—and sometimes help to bring change for the better.

Documentary filmmaking takes special skills, often requiring capturing shots on the fly. If documentary films are your passion, you’re going to need more than just a classroom education: you need to know the ins and outs of the film business. The most effective way to gain this knowledge is to apprentice (extern) in a real film production company as a student of the Film Connection. As a Film Connection student, you’ll be paired with a working film professional who is an expert in your field of interest (documentary filmmaking, in this case). You’ll receive one-on-one instruction on all aspects of filmmaking, and you’ll train hands-on using the latest equipment and software. You’ll also gain valuable work experience and make vital industry connections with other professionals who can help advance your career. You can even go to film school without relocating, because our Film Connection mentors are located in film companies all over the U.S. We’ll even coach you in the development of your own documentary film idea, then give you the chance to pitch your film to actual Hollywood executives!

Learn the film business hands-on, from inside the industry itself. Take a look at our course curriculum to find out more about what we will teach you.

The Film Connection has been constantly refining and tweaking its curriculum over the past 30-plus years to keep current with the rapidly changing technology and techniques and to ensure that our students receive a state-of-the-art education. Our methods are highly effective in preparing students like you for filmmaking careers, largely because we train you in the heart of the action, where you have the chance to gain real-world experience with the latest technology. As you go to class each day in the production facility, you’ll also form solid working relationships with other industry professionals as you learn. By the time you complete your course, you’ll essentially be an industry insider yourself, fully qualified for a rewarding career in film.